FishProfiles.com Message Forums

My aquarium seems to have green stuff in it. I am somewhat thinking its some algae. However it could be some mold. I am wondering what could that green stuff be.

McCollum

Green stuff, is usually an algae of some sort.
You will need to provide more information on what it looks like for example whether it is free floating and the water looks green, hard green spots on the glass, or green furry hair like stuff growing on the hardscape and plants.

If you could also provide the tank dimentions and lighting you have, including the average amount of time the lights are on per day and also the water quality parameters this may help with further identification.

At a random guess I would assume you have the hard green spots appearing on the glass variety.

GT



Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

Hi,
Here is a site that will help you decide just what that
green stuff is:

http://www.otocinclus.com/articles/algae.html

Get back with us when you have some of the numbers that
were requested, and have read the link and decided what
is going on.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

If it is indeed hard algae you have, you will have to go out and purchase either a set of magnets or and algea brush. I like the magnets the best, but either way, be EXTREMELY carefull of the silicon sealent along the edges of the tank. A leak wont happen tomorrow, but it will happen someday and the longer away the better.
Beard algea is a bitch to kill, I hate to say this but, i recommend the chemical method for killing beard algea. Beard alge is tiny hair-like strands growing on plants and decorations. Algea Destroyer Advamced will take care of the problem. Just make sure you follow the directions to the letter and perform a 25% water change 12-24 hrs after dosing the tank to removed the herbacide and ammonia.
Green water is algea that is suspended in the water. It is harmless and filter feeding fish live off of it. IT is also great for feeding most kinds of fry.
To not panic, algea is naturally occuring and in 99% of cases harmless, the 1% is if it is smoothering your plants...ie beard algae.
Good luck solving your problem. Heop this helps.

"There is also a Clown Pleco in this tank some where. I am telling you, HE IS IN HERE."

Just a little tip, its probably better to check out methods of natural control for algae, like balancing the tankwater quality, lighting and nutrients correctly, or perhaps consider an algae eating fish or shrimp. Algae destroying meds are often hard on the tank balance, and the fish. Only this week the forums had someone who'd made his fish sick with an algae destroyer. Id use them only as a last resort, and since you can usually clean it up manually, using chemical control a last resort that for me is a very unlikely to happen. Lets face it, unless you have a 200 gallon tank or something, its not really that much work in the scheme of things. I have four 120,'s and I manage just fine.

The green stuff just appears on the rocks I have in the 75 gallon tank as well as on the glass inside.

McCollum

Thanks Frank and everyone for the website. In fact, I agree I should not panic as its harmless. Indeed, I believe that it could be a good enviroment for these algae eaters. For example plecothumus,catfishes. Wouldn't it be a great place for food to them?

McCollum

Yes, it would be a great place for them if they are eating it. As you know some algae eaters are picky about what kind. If you have more room for another fish think about getting another pleco to keep up with the growth. Personally, I scrape it off the front glass before my water changes. I leave it on the rest of the tank for my algae eating fish to graze on when they are hungry for a snack.

"Talk is cheap. Action can be almost as affordable"